Enchanted Hill by Emily Bain Murphy published today 11/7/23 and this is the kind of historical mystery that I could simply not put down. Many thanks to Union Square and Co. and Netgalley for the eARC. 

It’s 1930 and PI Cora McCavanah is posing as a maid at Hollywood magnate Truman’s Byrd’s legendary estate. The deadline from her high-profile client is fast approaching and Cora needs that evidence. The estate, meanwhile, is gearing up for a week of guests and parties. Cora is stunned to recognize one of the guests as Jack Yates, a former inmate of Pelican Island. Cora’s father was a prison guard there and that is how Cora recognizes Jack, even though the world thought he drowned while trying to escape. Jack is visiting the estate with his own purpose and motives. The two strike a tentative truce to uncover what they both need. 

What an intricately woven mystery! I had to keep reminding myself to slow down as I read because I just needed to know the ending. The characters are so well developed that I found myself feeling for them, despite their flaws or past deeds. There’s also a little romance that adds another enjoyable layer to the story. The story alternates points of view between Cora and Jeff and it was fascinating to watch the story develop this way. There are puzzles hidden throughout the estate and the descriptions brought this lavish place to life on the page. When you want to simply get lost in a page-turning story, I highly recommend this one.